Performers:
Kálmán Balogh (cimbalom), Mihály Dresch (winds), Mónika Lakatos (vocals)
Sárik Péter Trio: Péter Sárik (piano), Tamás Péter (bass guitar), Attila Gálfi (drums)
Host: András Batta
The Cziffra Festival invites audiences to its two-part unique production series entitled Champions League. The first concert brings together outstanding artists of jazz and folk music, appearing on the stage in surprising, previously unheard formations.
Among the guest artists is Kálmán Balogh, Kossuth Prize–winning virtuoso of the cimbalom, who has long been committed to the stylistically refined fusion of folklore, classical music, and jazz. The evening is further enriched by Mihály Dresch, also a Kossuth Prize-awarded musician, whose personal musical language—whether in solo projects or with his ensembles—adds a distinctive character to the program.The third soloist of the concert is Mónika Lakatos, recipient of both the WOMEX Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kossuth Prize. Through her work, she preserves and revitalizes the pure traditions of gypsy culture, creating a unique world-music sound deeply rooted in her own musical heritage.
Their performances are complemented by the Sárik Péter Trio, who have delighted audiences by building bridges between jazz motifs and the works of the great masters of music history, including Beethoven and Bartók, revealing shared musical essences across genres.
The audience will be guided throughout the evening by András Batta, Széchenyi Prize–winning music historian.
At the beginning of the concert, the Cziffra Festival Awards will be presented.
Supporters of the Cziffra Festival:
Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary; Bethlen Gábor Fund